Jennifer Pechal

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Assistant Professor, Insect-Microbe Interactions
Department of Entomology

Degrees:
Ph.D. - Texas A&M University (2012)
M.S. - Texas A&M University (2008)
B.S. - Sam Houston State University (2006)

Bio

Dr. Jennifer Pechal studies insect-microbe interactions across ecosystems and decomposition ecology. Her work combines high-throughput “-omics” tools and machine learning approaches to investigate how microbial communities change during decomposition, with applications that span both basic and applied research.

Concentrations

Insect Ecology
Microbe Ecology
Community Dynamics
Decomposition
High-Throughput Sequencing (“-Omics”) Technologies
Forensics

Research

Pechal’s program uses an interdisciplinary approach to understand the biological mechanisms governing decomposition in systems ranging from agricultural crops to freshwater streams to forests. This research provides a foundation for applied studies on global challenges, including the use of insects as alternative protein sources, improving waste management practices and applying the human post-mortem microbiome in death investigations. Her lab’s work highlights the essential role of insects in solving ecological and societal problems while striving to maximize their positive impacts.

Learn more about the Jen Pechal Lab at MSU.